Flagler builder sees sunnier days for housing industry

While some sectors of the economy ares still feeling the effects of the Great Recession, one industry has been on the rise: home building.

By Aaron Londonaaron.london@news-jrnl.com

While some sectors of the economy ares still feeling the effects of the Great Recession, one industry has been on the rise: home building.In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders, the housing industry continues to rise, with the fourth consecutive monthly increase in builder confidence.“Builder confidence continues to strengthen along with rising demand for a limited supply of new and existing homes in most local markets,” said David Crowe, NAHB chief economist, in a news release from the Washington, D.C-based association.The NAHB’s Housing Market Index rose three points in August, bringing the index to its highest level in nearly eight years.But how much of that rising tide is lifting Flagler County’s housing market?Jason DeLorenzo, a Palm Coast City Council member and government affairs director at the Flagler Home Builders Association, offers the local spin.How strong is the local home building market in Flagler County today?Compared to the last two years, it’s very strong. We are anticipating that this month we’ll eclipse our total single-family permitting from all of last year.How does the county’s housing recovery compare with other areas of the country?There are some areas, and a couple of them in Florida, that are a little stronger than we are. We haven’t made our way onto the (National Association of Home Builders) emerging markets list yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that comes soon. I’m surprised that we haven’t popped up on there yet.What are the biggest concerns for local builders?Labor and the lead time for manufactured products, like windows, doors and trusses. And there is volatility in the materials market overall. It’s a little bit longer than it was before. A big problem is that a lot of lumber yards were closed, mills were closed, manufacturers were closed or limited production. I’m being told right now that it can take six to eight weeks for a window package to come in and about the same, or a little shorter, for a truss package — and those are two major things when it comes to building a house.Where do you see the local housing market a year from now?I think we’re going to continue to improve. Our following of the permits shows we are having a nice, steady upward trend and I would say 2014 is going to be a good year.